Design Director

The Design Director role at ustwo NY involves shaping design strategy and operations for the studio and clients across the US. The Design Director will be responsible for leading and developing a team of designers, ensuring industry-leading design through collaboration and best practices. They will also guide clients and multi-disciplinary teams in creating world-class products and experiences. As part of the NY leadership team, the Design Director will contribute to business development, operational decision-making, and culture. This role requires strong leadership skills, a passion for design, and the ability to communicate effectively.

• Shape design strategy and operations for the studio and clients
• Grow and develop a team of ~10 designers
• Encourage and ensure industry-leading design by facilitating collaboration
• Set benchmark for quality and best practices
• Steer designers to execute in a fast-moving, global environment
• Be an ambassador for ustwo principles internally and externally
• Bring high EQ to the wellbeing of ustwobies within the design team
• Guide clients and multi-disciplinary teams in creating world-class products and experiences
• Contribute to business development and pitches
• Impact the studio's strategic direction and growth
• Foster design in a user-centered and interdisciplinary client service environment
• Understand the digital product and service landscape
• Actively interested in new technologies
• Lead and guide others in addition to designing
• Mentor and develop the team's craft
• Offer direction, inspiration, and vision
• Overcome challenges and nurture team members as future leaders
• Communicate and articulate ideas effectively
• Bring positive energy to conversations
• Achieve commercial objectives without compromising quality
• Understand competitive landscape and differentiate offerings
• Identify opportunities and potential in projects and client engagements
• Embrace change, problem-solving, learning, and experimentation
• 5+ years experience as a people manager in senior design leadership position
• Build design teams and nurture talent
• Expertise in designing digital products and experiences
• Experience in design ownership/leadership across multiple teams and projects
• Familiarity with studio/agency business model
• Success with net new business and growing with existing clients
• Interest and participation in professional industry groups, conferences, etc.
• Experience with non-traditional platforms such as AR, VR, wearables
• Base salary range between $195,000 and $230,000 with potential for profit share scheme.

• 5+ years experience as a people manager in a senior design leadership position
• A demonstrated record of building design teams, nurturing talent, and facilitating career and personal growth
• Expertise in the designing of digital products and experiences, as well as the processes by which they are created
• Experience in design ownership/leadership across multiple teams and projects
• Studio/agency experience and an understanding of this business model (pitching, project resourcing, etc.)
• A record of success with net new business and growing with existing clients
• Interest and participation in professional industry groups, conferences, speaking engagements, publications, or teaching
• Experience with non-traditional platforms "outside the rectangle" (e.g. AR, VR, wearables, etc)

• Base salary range between $195,000 and $230,000
• Profit Share Scheme
• Fully paid Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
• 401k with up to 5% company matching
• 20 Days PTO
• Up to 15 additional closed days per year, including the last week of the year
• Hybrid working model
• Transit and Health FSA programs
• Citibike membership
• One Medical and Talkspace Memberships
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Annual Growth & Development Budget
• Monthly Wellness & Cell Phone Contributions